Hell is for Heroes

Synopsis

Director Don Siegel's uncompromising World War Two action drama features Steve McQueen and James Coburn as GIs among a small group of American soldiers defending a stretch of the Siegfried Line against overwhelming German odds. It builds to a furious climax as the exhausted grunts are put through their paces by the Germans and dissent within their own ranks.

Director

Don Siegel

Cast

Steve McQueen

James Coburn

Bob Newhart

Bobby Darin

Fess Parker

Review

Tough, uncompromising war film from Don Siegel with a magnetic performance from Steve McQueen as the professional soldier who is constantly at odds with military authority.

He and the other members of a tired and depleted infantry squad are sent to hold a section of 'the line' against a superior German force.

Slow to start, the film builds to an exciting climax, while raising questions about heroism.

McQueen is backed by a strong cast that includes James Coburn, Bobby Darin, Fess Parker and, curiously, comedian Bob Newhart.